PHOENIX — The Padres are discussing a potential trade of right-hander James Shields with the Chicago White Sox, and it appears those talks have significant momentum, sources familiar with the discussions said Saturday.

It is unclear if a deal is imminent, but one source described the discussions as having "energy" at this current stage. While Shields has pitched well this season, posting a 3.06 ERA through 10 starts, the Padres began the weekend nine games under .500 (20-29) and would like to move some of their pricier contracts.

As part of the Padres' aggressive push two winters ago, they signed Shields to the largest free-agent deal in franchise history (four years, $75 million). The club's 2015 campaign quickly fell flat, however, and, Shields, among others, was consistently mentioned as a trade candidate through the summer and into the offseason.

Shields, 34, made $10 million last year and is owed $21 million annually in 2016, 2017 and 2018. His deal includes a $16 million team option, with a $2 million buyout, for 2019. It also allows Shields to opt out after this season, which could complicate discussions. The Padres are willing to eat some of Shields' contract in a trade.

Padres General Manager A.J. Preller did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment.


Shields finished his Padres debut with 200-plus innings for the ninth consecutive year while setting a career high for strikeout rate, but he recorded a mildly disappointing 3.91 ERA. He allowed 33 home runs, tied for the most off any major league pitcher.

In 64 2/3 innings this season, Shields has allowed 61 hits, issued 23 walks and recorded 56 strikeouts. According to BrooksBaseball.net, his average fastball velocity, at 91.36 mph, is down slightly from a year ago, but he has remained effective. Opponents are hitting just .147 against Shields' curveball.

No major league starter has worked with less run support than Shields, who is 2-6. The Padres have averaged just 1.8 runs in his starts.

The White Sox, currently tied for first place in the American League Central, are in search of a stabilizing presence in their rotation behind perennial Cy Young candidate Chris Sale. Shields has as much experience as virtually any starter in the game and, before he joined the Padres, had spent his entire career pitching in the AL. Over 11 major league seasons with Tampa Bay, Kansas City and San Diego, he is 129-103 with a 3.72 ERA.

"He'll eat up innings," a rival scout said of a possible return to the AL. "He'll give up more home runs for sure."

Dennis Lin
‏@sdutdennislin
Sources: Padres, White Sox discussing James Shields trade. Unclear if deal is imminent, but talks have "energy

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/may/28/padres-discussing-james-shields-trade-white-sox/



Would you give up Tim Anderson for Big Game James?

I think you're more likely to see Anderson playing for the Sox in the next few weeks.

I think you're more likely to see Anderson playing for the Sox in the next few weeks.